Niagara College’s Indigenous Education department recently welcomed 16 incoming Indigenous students to campus through its Pathways: Stepping into Transition program, a two-day experience designed to help new students feel confident, connected and prepared as they begin their NC journey.
Now in its second year, the program took place August 6 – 7 offers students a meaningful blend of cultural connection, peer mentorship and hands-on preparation for post-secondary life.
“This experience is about creating a sense of belonging from the very first visit,” said Sandra Mandamin, Indigenous Education and Transition Coordinator. “We want students to walk onto campus on their first day already feeling confident, supported and connected.”
For Alex Taylor, an incoming Dental Office Administration student from St. Catharines, the program eased first-day nerves and fostered meaningful connections.
“I’ve really loved getting to meet like-minded people who I can build a community with,” said Taylor. “At first I was really scared to be one of so many people, but now I feel more comfortable and know I’m not alone.”
During the two-day experience, students stayed overnight in residence at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake and participated in a full-schedule of activities. Highlights included guided tours of both the Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses, visits to the Indigenous Education lounges, a group trip to Clifton hill, and introductions to key support services at NC.
Cultural connection was woven throughout the program. A medicine bag-making workshop and a shared bannock taco dinner gave students the opportunity to engage with Indigenous traditions and build a sense of community.
A highlight of the event was the mentorship component. Students who participated in last year’s program returned to support this year’s cohort, guiding them through tasks like timetable selection and navigating NC tools like MyNC and Brightspace.
Gabriella Jackson, a Carpentry and Renovation Technician student from Cayuga and a member of Oneida Nation of the Thames, served as a mentor to help others feel at ease.
“Starting college can be overwhelming,” said Jackson. “I want my fellow Indigenous students to know that they aren’t alone and that there are resources and people here to help them succeed.”
Mandamin, who draws from her own lived experience of leaving a small community to attend college, understands the challenges Indigenous students often face including isolation, lack of cultural representation, and limited access to support services.
“I didn’t have these types of supports when I went to college,” said Mandamin. “Programs like this are vital. They build academic confidence but also support student wellness as a whole.”
In addition to campus tours and cultural activities, students also met with representatives from Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services (HWAS) and the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) to learn about other services and supports available to them during their time at NC.
“Stepping into Transition is really about walking alongside the student,” said Jeanine Bruinsma, Indigenous Student Success Leader. “We want students to feel like they’ve already been here, that they recognize faces, and know where to go. We want to show students that support is available for them to be successful at Niagara College.”
When asked what advice she would give to other Indigenous students considering Niagara College, Taylor encouraged others to take the leap:
“Take the risk and do it. It might be hard in the moment, but you can do it – and there is a great team of supporters at NC to help you.”
The Pathways: Stepping into Transition program was made possible thanks to support from Embark Student Foundation, which provided funding to enhance Indigenous student success pathways at NC.
Later this month, the Indigenous Education team will host Paddle Forward, a three-day, two-night land-based cultural experience at Chiefswood Park on Six Nations of the Grand River. The canoe trip will offer incoming students a chance to connect with culture and ground themselves before starting their post-secondary journey.
